BA.5 is now the most dominant variant showing up in wastewater in the South Bay, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Sacramento and elsewhere.  The latest data from researchers who study sewage shows clues into how COVID-19 is spreading across the Bay Area. 

Science Editor Kevin Stark, KQED

There's a 25% increase in COVID hospitalizations in Los Angeles County. Health officials say on Thursday LA County could move into the CDC’s high risk category for COVID community spread due to high hospitalizations.

Reporter Jackie Fortier, The California Report

The FDA has revised its Emergency Use Authorization to let licensed pharmacists prescribe Paxlovid, the treatment given to those at risk of serious illness from COVID.

Reporter Carly Severn, The California Report

City attorney David Chiu announced that Allergan and Teva Pharmaceuticals agreed to pay $34 million-dollars in cash, and another $20 million dollars worth of Narcan, a treatment for opioid overdose.  Walgreens is the only remaining defendant in the case; their lawyers are set to give closing arguments today. 

Californians who are in mental distress and thinking about suicide will be able to call, or text, a new three digit number (9-8-8) to get help.  But if they call, will someone pick-up the line? 

Reporter Saul Gonzalez, The California Report

Starting on Saturday, Californians who are in mental distress and thinking about suicide will be able to call, or text, a new three digit number to get help. But if they call, will someone pick-up the line?

Reporter Saul Gonzalez, The California Report

AB 1594 allows state and local governments, and private individuals, to sue gun-makers and sellers for damage caused by their products. Newsom signed legislation last month – adding restrictions on hard to trace ghost guns, and restricting ads for firearms aimed at minors.

Politics Editor Scott Shafer, KQED

Next week, Dodger Stadium will host the Major League Baseball... All Star Game. But, unions representing the stadium’s 15-hundred food and beverage workers say they’ve got enough votes to authorize a strike. All Star festivities kick off this weekend with MLB's Futures Game. The union is hoping to hear from Levy Restaurants before the start of the game.

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